Ocorrência da mosca-do-chifre (Haematobia irritans) em rebanho bubalino na ilha do Marajó, Pará.

Abstract

This study analyzed the parasitic behavior of the horn fly (Haematobia irritans) in a dairy buffalo herd over two distinct periods in the municipality of Muaná, located in the Marajó Archipelago, in the state of Pará, Brazil. The research is justified by the economic relevance of buffalo farming in the Northern region of Brazil, particularly in the state of Pará, where this activity plays a fundamental role in subsistence and local economic development. Although widely studied in cattle, the impacts of horn flies on buffaloes remain underexplored, representing an important area of study given the potential losses that infestations can cause, both in terms of animal health and herd productivity. The results indicated that during the beginning of the rainy season, the parasitic load was classified as rare or nonexistent, while during the dry season, specifically in October 2023, there was a variation between abundant and rare infestations. The anatomical regions most frequently parasitized were, in descending order, the lateral thoracic region (ribs and flank), cervical region, and scapular region. The analysis of climatic data, covering the periods of October 2023 (with low humidity) and December 2024 (with high humidity), revealed that the flooding characteristic of the rainy season interferes with the continuity of the ectoparasite's life cycle, resulting in a decrease in population. In contrast, the dry period was marked by a peak in infestations. This study contributes to the understanding of the environmental factors in the Marajó Archipelago, where high humidity and hot climate favor the proliferation of the horn fly. The findings highlight the importance of adequate management for controlling infestations, minimizing the negative impacts on milk production and animal welfare. Additionally, they provide valuable insights for future investigations on the interaction between H. irritans and buffaloes, expanding knowledge on the epidemiology of this parasite in tropical regions.